Every child has the right to education. Yet children with disabilities often face barriers and discrimination when it comes to exercising their right to learn.

According to the World Health Organization, there are 150 million children with disabilities in the world today. In many developing countries, children with disabilities are less likely to attend school due to a myriad of barriers including lack of accessibility, adequate transportation and stigma from teachers and peers.

That’s why Plan International works in communities around the world to help the most marginalized and excluded children access their rights – especially children with disabilities.

Meet Katherine

Katherine, 12, was born with clubfoot – a condition that causes a tremendous amount of pain.

“It hurts a lot when I walk,” says Katherine. “They were so twisted. My feet were twisted.”

As a Plan International sponsored child for the past 4 years, Katherine has seen the impact sponsorship has had on her community through helping children and families access their rights to education, healthcare, livelihood and clean water.

In fact, there are over 6,300 sponsored children just like Katherine in Honduras. Child Sponsorship helps to fund scholarships for girls, as well as provide children with the tools they need to attend school. In Katherine’s case, she needed surgery to walk to and from school without discomfort.

“She suffered because she had a lot of pain and the worst part was when she tried to walk – she fell down,” says Jesusita, Katherine’s mother.

But thanks to the support of child sponsors like you, Plan International was able to provide Katherine with 2 surgeries that have increased her mobility and enabled her to attend school without pain. This support for children with disabilities is part of our programming to ensure that all children can exercise their right to education.

“Now I can run. Now I can walk. Now I can enjoy!” exclaims Katherine, adding that she can now play hide and seek with her cousins.

A brighter future ahead

Now that Katherine is able to attend school without worry, her mother, Jesusita, is hoping she will continue her studies and inspire others to do the same.

“She can show the people if you want, you can do it,” says Jesusita.

And Katherine is incredibly grateful to Plan International supporters who are helping children in her community exercise their right to education.

“Thank you Plan International,” she says, with a smile. “I am happy.”

Education for all children

With the Sustainable Development Goals specifically calling out the need to create equal, accessible societies for ALL people by 2030, Plan International is committed to ensuring girls and boys of all abilities are empowered to reach their full potential.

But we can’t do it without your support. Child sponsors like you help create a brighter future for children, families and entire communities by ensuring access to essentials like education, clean water, sanitation, healthcare and livelihood.

If you want to change lives and have a far-reaching impact then consider becoming a child sponsor today!

About Plan International

Founded in 1937, we are one of the world’s oldest and largest international development agencies, working in partnership with millions of people around the world to end global poverty. Not for profit, independent and inclusive of all faiths and cultures, we have only one agenda: to improve the lives of children.